Maersk Tankers Project Aims For EU’s First Large Ammonia Carrier Conversion To Run On Ammonia Fuel

A Maersk Tankers project to retrofit ammonia-powered engines on very large ammonia carriers has been chosen for funding by the EU’s Innovation Fund.

The goal is to equip four vessels with dual-fuel engines and prevent emissions of over 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 10 years.

Called RIPPLE, the project is one of 77 chosen by the European Commission in the current round of financing that includes €3.4 billion ($3.8 billion). The projects have been asked to start working on drafting grant agreements, while the details of financing are yet to be finalised.

Maersk Tankers has plans to retrofit up to 10 very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) with ammonia dual-fuel engines. However, the company stated that it will do so only upon receiving commercial commitment from customers.

The company ordered 10 Very Large Ammonia Carriers (VLACs) from South Korea-based shipbuilding company HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, a subsidiary of Maersk parent company A.P. Moller-Maersk of Denmark.

So far, the company has taken delivery of its first two vessels, named Jane Maersk and Jessie Maersk, in 2026. Another two will be handed over shortly.

The firm is evaluating its options to convert all 10 ships to dual-fuel technology, but RIPPLE project chosen to receive the funding from the EU will convert four such vessels with two-stroke dual-fuel ammonia-fueled engines.

In a LinkedIn post, Maersk Tankers stated that the implementation of the conversions depends on the commercial commitment from customers.

The firm has not yet confirmed whether the company will go ahead with the conversion of all ten vessels or what the schedule for the conversion would be.

The European Commission has selected 77 projects with a combined value of €3.4 billion ($3.8 billion) in the latest wave of the EU Innovation Fund.

All selected projects have been called upon to develop grant agreements with the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).

The agreements will establish the final funding figures, budgeting, timelines, technical and financial requirements, and legal obligations.

Announcements regarding the results of this process are expected from the Commission in the first quarter of 2027.

RIPPLE’s selection does not mean its grant has been finalised. The funding agreement still needs to be completed.

The RIPPLE project is designed to cut down emissions by fitting four VLACs with the two-stroke dual-fuel engine capable of burning ammonia.

Based on the description of the project provided by the European Commission, it is projected to eliminate more than 1.2 million tonnes of CO2e in ten years.

Maersk Tankers sees potential for its 10-vessel VLAC fleet to support the use of ammonia as a marine fuel. However, the company has yet to commit to carrying out the retrofits, which will depend on customer commitments.

References: Engine, ShipandBunker